Throughout the years the Texas Legislature has created a system of legal protections for victims of family violence. Protective orders have been the primary civil legal remedy since 1979. The advantage of these orders is the criminal penalty that occurs when the orders are disobeyed. Over time, protective orders have come to protect not only members of the same family but members of the same household and individuals who have or have had a dating relationship and victims of sexual assault as well. The District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit is committed to helping these victims obtain enforceable protective orders.
Presently, the Domestic Violence Unit conducts a preliminary screening of protective order applicants. Upon passing this initial inquiry, an applicant meets with a prosecutor who then handles the case from the intake stage, through filing and until disposition.
Persons seeking to apply for a protective order may contact the District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Division during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After a preliminary screening, the applicant may complete a Protective Order Application and submit it to the Domestic Violence Unit. (Applicants, please allow yourselves at least 30 minutes to complete the application).
Upon meeting the legal requirements of the initial inquiry, an applicant meets with a prosecutor, who then handles the case from the intake stage, through filing and disposition of the application.
Kim Laseter, Chief Felony Prosecutor – Ext. 3641; firstname.lastname@example.org
Holly Griffin, Felony Prosecutor – Ext. 3641; email@example.com
Jenni Ball, Victim Assistance Coordinator – Ext. 4239; firstname.lastname@example.org
Robin Laughon, Felony Investigator – Ext. 3631; email@example.com
Ruth Ruiz, Legal Secretary II – Ext. 4341; firstname.lastname@example.org